Finding Hope and Home at LASS
Meet Luka Jale.
Born in 2005 in a small village in Central Equatoria, South Sudan, Luka’s early life was marked by deep loss. By the age of seven, he and his two brothers had lost both parents. With no extended family to rely on, the boys were left to survive on their own in a remote village where food was scarce and school was completely out of reach.
As conditions worsened—especially after his older brother became severely ill—Luka and his younger brother made a decision no child should ever have to make. They left home, setting out on foot with no clear destination, searching simply for a way to survive.
For two years, they slept in hospital compounds, doing small jobs, and eating whatever food they could find. Yet even in the midst of uncertainty, Luka held onto one specific goal: to go to school. Each day began with prayer, asking God for protection and provision.
That prayer was answered in an unexpected way. In 2016, the boys were reunited with an uncle who took them in and promised them a chance at education. But just as hope began to return, conflict in South Sudan forced them to flee once again—this time to Bidibidi Refugee Camp in northern Uganda.
Life in the camp brought new challenges. Resources were limited, and Luka’s uncle eventually passed away after years of illness. Despite the ongoing hardship, Luka refused to give up on his education. He excelled in primary school, supported himself by collecting and selling plastic bottles, and later earned a scholarship for secondary school through his service teaching children at church.
To meet his daily needs, Luka took on whatever work he could find—farming, construction, sand mining, washing clothes, and even starting a small juice business. Through it all, one thing became increasingly clear: his desire wasn’t just to succeed for himself, but to uplift others.
In the refugee camp, Luka began teaching younger children about leadership, respect, and faith. He helped start a small group called United Vision, launching a poultry project to support children’s education. Even with limited resources, his focus remained on creating opportunity where there was little.
In March 2026, Luka’s journey took a pivotal turn. He applied to the Leadership Academy of South Sudan (LASS) after hearing about it from a friend.
“On March 4th, 2026, I received the call that I had been accepted. I was so happy that I even forgot to eat that day. My heart was beating so fast,” Luka shares.
Luka describes LASS as more than a school—it’s a family. A place where he is not only continuing his education, but growing in leadership, faith, and purpose.
“From the moment I entered, I felt something different. I was welcomed with so much love. Students greeted me with smiles, and I was placed in a care group. I felt like I had found a home again.”
Today, Luka dreams of studying Information Technology, Law, and Education so he can return to serve his community and country. His story is far from over, but already, it reflects the kind of leader the world needs.
Because when given the opportunity, leaders like Luka don’t just change their own lives—they change the future for others.